Home Safety Tour

After my daughter’s soccer game yesterday, we stopped by the Safe Kids exhibit set up near the soccer fields. There were a variety of organizations present, providing information on being safe. It ranged from tables on eating healthy, to bike safety. Law enforcement and fire fighters were present. This included a trailer that the kids went into and learned about safety, and then had to “escape” out of the back window when the trailer was filled with fake smoke. Once outside, the kids reported to the designated safe meeting place and were told they should have such a place to meet at their homes. Later, I was proud of my daughter when she suggested a safe meeting place outside our house in case of fire. I was also a bit ashamed that I hadn’t taught her this already. Sometimes, even when you know things, it is easy to become complacent and not teach those around you, or go over the basics with them.

Our family does practice a lot of safety and self-defense measures, and I continue to teach my daughter more as she grows. It is important to ensure your home is safe, and if you have children, you must alert them to potential dangers. Tour the house with them and present the dangers to them and teach them about safety. When they get the hang of it, let them point out the potential dangers to you. (This was one of the things the fire department also did with the mock house.)

Point out where accidents could occur and discus how to avoid them. Are there places where a fire could start? (fireplaces, overburdened electrical outlets, flammables near stoves or other ignition points, etc.) Do you have fire extinguishers, or are they absent? Where are toxic chemicals kept? Could they be moved someplace safer? How could intruders enter your home? Are there locks or other measures to keep your abode safe from invasion? Is your home well lit? How about outside? Do you have clutter that will impede a quick exit during an emergency, or all your exit routes free and clear?

What natural disasters happen in your area? What items do you have in preparation for such events? Where are they located? Do you have food and water stored for an emergency? What plans do you have in place if one should occur? Who will pick up your children if you are unable to make it to their school? Where are your kids supposed to go? Figure out a meeting place and how people will get there. You might have more than one meeting place, one for when you all evacuate your house together, such as in the middle of the night when the smoke alarm sounds in the middle of the night, and another where you meet when traveling from work, school, or alternate locations you may be at when a disaster strikes. During your home safety tour, ask yourself “what if” questions and figure out the answers and procedures to be safe.

As you tour your home with your loved ones, determine how you can better make your home a castle to ensure the safety of everyone living or visiting inside. This means securing you and your loved ones from outside threats, but also reducing the risk of household accidents, and preparing to be locked in during an emergency.

The more prepared you are, the better you will fare in the face of danger or emergency. If you have a family, you must ensure all of you are prepared to the age level and ability of each family member. A home safety tour will illustrate where your strengths and weaknesses are, and help you better prepare for the worst, just in case it ever happens. When it comes to home safety, your home safety tour is the place to start.